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Monday, June 13, 2011

UNMATCHED RESILIENCE

"What makes people succeed is not talent but perseverance"
From the the two cards that were drawn out of 30, one must be the ace and the other should be a joker. Finally, after 6 games of this exciting, most anticipated, dramatic series after the Jordan era, a restless warrior from  the west with a brass hair and and a golden heart together with his battle-tested allies embarrassed the kings from South Beach. With the victory of the Dallas Mavericks over the Miami Heat last Sunday, it looked like redemption is already done.Perhaps, Lebron James only had the fire in him for the first 12 minutes of the ballgame, making all plays possible, posting up, taking big shots, attacking the rim and drawing fouls. Perhaps, just for the entire 12 minutes only. An exactly opposite scenario of 12 months ago when he, Dwayne Wade and Cris Bosh were on the stage, surrounded by bright lights and happy fans. That's too bad for a star like him who has decided to go where he wanted to be. 

The crown has been elusive again for James and the whole Miami squad who have let it slipped from their hands. They were just two games away, but clearly, it has only been Wade who has the will to win and the rest were just mediocre trying to ride the popularity of the three. It has been a solo act for D-Wade, who since game one has been a force to reckon with. He finished the game with 17 points, 8 assists and 6 rebounds. The Heat's defense could have been the key why they were able to reach the finals but it has also been the cause why they were not able to pull up a game 6 victory. Kudos! to the Mavericks who have been wanting this very moment, this victory, this crown. Dirk wasn't able to found his rythm in the first half, but was able to deliver in crucial situations, especially in those times where the Mavs has to count mostly on him. Experience has been a factor in this series. Jason Kidd, at 38, played the game of his life. He has been excellent in defense as well as  in the offensive end. And Jason Terry has been a monster all night. It was his accurate high shooting percentage that put an end to the Heat's quest for the championship crown.

It has been evident that James has been the missing link in this series. James wasn't just the way he was during the first two rounds of the playoff. From the time that he had stopped getting inside the paint and mixed it up with the Dallas D, I already knew it was over. I already knew that it's going to be the Dallas' night. By that time, I already felt pity for the "Chosen One", not only because of the fact that he will be losing the opportunity to wear a championship ring, but also because of what the fans and media people would be saying against him.  


"I work hard to try to put myself in a position to play at a high level", James said. "When you go out on the court, does the ball always go in?Absolutely not. But one thing I know, I never hold my head low in saying "I didn't do it the right way or I wish I would have did this. It's not about that."

James could have been the main reason of the Heat's meltdown, but isn't it fair also to blame the coaching plans of coach Spoelsra? James has been pressured on both ends of the floor. He should not have been the one to carry the ball and be the point guard since he has already taken the opportunity to man Terry.  

Miami is still a young team. They have their exceptional God-given talents and skills that brought them into the basketball world. Though their hearts are questionable during crunch time, they are still enjoyable to watch, admit it or not. Soaring, flying, and taking games into the next level. After all, this is what basketball is all about.The excitement, the drama, and the superstars playing like gods. James is just 26 and Wade is 27. Surely, we would still be clinging into the edge of our seats whenever we see them making those hammer dunks, tomahawks and alley oops in the next couple of years or more. This is  a new era of basketball, whether we will still be able to witness a continuing saga of rivalry between these two teams in the years to come or not, this is still the NBA-where amazing happens.

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